There’s a new general in town: Official assumes new post at ceremony

Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, left, hands Brig. Gen. Sean MacFarland his assumption orders during the change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Leavenworth Friday. MacFarland officially took the post of deputy commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center-Leader Development and Education replacing the previous deputy commander Maj. Gen. Edward Cardon.

On Friday, Brig. Gen. Sean MacFarland officially took the post of deputy commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center-Leader Development and Education during a change of responsibility ceremony.

“If my tactical officers could see me now they would be shocked that I had risen as far as I had... maybe a little dismayed with the Army’s judgment,” MacFarland joked during his brief thank-you speech after receiving the command. “But I think that all shows that no leader is ever fully developed. Being here and having the opportunity to contribute to the leaders, both current and future, is a great thrill for myself and for my wife Lynda (MacFarland).”

MacFarland is taking over for Maj. Gen. Edward Cardon, the previous deputy commanding general, who will now be the deputy commanding general for support, U.S. forces, Iraq.

MacFarland is coming to the fort after completing his command of the Joint Task Force North at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Cardon is leaving the fort after two years on the job.

During his exit speech he thanked the many people who made his command possible.

“I feel very blessed to have belonged to this institution,” Cardon said. “It is our Army. I am proud of what we have accomplished, but now I must say goodbye.”

Cardon was presented with a certificate for his command at the school and a legion of merit medal. His wife, Linda Cardon, was also honored with an outstanding civilian service medal for her contributions.

Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth thanked the Cardons for their work and wished them good luck for the future.

“Thank you for a job well done,” he said. “It will be a long time before any of us forget what you have done here.”